rear end ratios

[54EARL]

I have a 235 out of a 59 truck, suburban trans from the sixties, and a rear end out of a 56 belair stuffed under my 54 chevrolet truck. I would like to gain a little more than 45 mph out of her. Should I change the rear end gear ratio or the trans or both?

[Larry/aka Twisted6]

Final gear on the tranny should be 1-1 So your problem i do beleive is the rear gearing. Kinda sounds like it is in the Low 2s Check and see what it is then you can go from there.

[54EARL]

Thanks larry when I get a spare day to my self I will check it out. what would a good/ better ratio be.

[Larry/aka Twisted6]

54Earl
do you know what Rpm you are running at the 45mph? But really need to what you have in there first off. Then Find out what size will fit that carrier.

[54EARL]

I work road construction so the time I get off in the summer is spent mostly with my family, but I can allways find time to check it out I thought the guy I bought it from said it was a 270.

[Larry/aka Twisted6]

well if you can find a 3.00 Gear set in that area and it will fit in the carrier
You will be much happier with over all speed. It may also help you in the get-up and Go off the line as well. Not a Bunch but enough I think you would feel a difference at the very least.

[54EARL]

I have a few secret "car hunting spots" I think might have one. Thanks again. Earl

[nuwguy]

stock gear in your 56 rearend in a 3.50 unless it was changed,fastest way to check it is jack it up and chalk a mark on both drive shaft and tire. rotate tire as needed to get
one rotation of drive shaft. that will give you an aproxamate ratio.